Biography
Composer and multi-instrumentalist Andy Stack channels a wide emotional spectrum through Joyero, his electronic pop endeavor, shifting between detached introspection and jagged discord. The project's first full-length effort, the 2019 album Release the Dogs, constructs polished sonic environments from lingering synthesizer textures anchored by economical yet melodic lines. Whispered vocals, minimal percussion, and additional sonic elements that either reinforce or push against the central melodies are then introduced according to the desired atmosphere. This marks Stack's initial venture under his own name following years spent as a sought-after contributor alongside other artists.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1985, Stack pursued higher education first at the University of Maryland before enrolling at Berklee College of Music in Boston. In 2006 he teamed with longtime acquaintance Jenn Wasner, another Baltimore-based indie rock enthusiast, to launch the duo Wye Oak, handling drums and keyboards while she managed guitar, later switching to bass, and lead vocals. The pair developed into a widely respected indie act whose sound progressed from folk-tinged beginnings toward greater incorporation of electronic textures, earning both commercial traction and critical praise. During breaks from Wye Oak commitments, Stack's reputation led to numerous guest appearances, including performances with EL VY and Lambchop plus studio contributions to releases by Shearwater, Madeline Kenney, and Helado Negro. He also scored the 2017 independent feature Black Mud along with several television advertisements.
With time available between projects and personal relationships, Stack retreated to a compact workspace in Marfa, Texas, his adopted home, where he began shaping his earliest solo material. The resulting collection of electronically driven pop songs prompted Merge Records, already home to Wye Oak's catalog, to sign him for the new venture. He chose the moniker Joyero, and the label released Release the Dogs in August 2019.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1985, Stack pursued higher education first at the University of Maryland before enrolling at Berklee College of Music in Boston. In 2006 he teamed with longtime acquaintance Jenn Wasner, another Baltimore-based indie rock enthusiast, to launch the duo Wye Oak, handling drums and keyboards while she managed guitar, later switching to bass, and lead vocals. The pair developed into a widely respected indie act whose sound progressed from folk-tinged beginnings toward greater incorporation of electronic textures, earning both commercial traction and critical praise. During breaks from Wye Oak commitments, Stack's reputation led to numerous guest appearances, including performances with EL VY and Lambchop plus studio contributions to releases by Shearwater, Madeline Kenney, and Helado Negro. He also scored the 2017 independent feature Black Mud along with several television advertisements.
With time available between projects and personal relationships, Stack retreated to a compact workspace in Marfa, Texas, his adopted home, where he began shaping his earliest solo material. The resulting collection of electronically driven pop songs prompted Merge Records, already home to Wye Oak's catalog, to sign him for the new venture. He chose the moniker Joyero, and the label released Release the Dogs in August 2019.
Albums
Singles
